The Daily Part1

Our Firm

Foundation February 2007

Volume 22, Number 2

The Seventh-day Sabbath

Christ Our Righteousness

The Non-Immortality of the Soul

The Immutable Law of God

The Three Angels’ Messages

The Sanctuary

U nde r s tand ing A righ t the Dail y, S crip turall y and His toricall y

Editorial

Joe Olson

Crying with a loud voice! fter this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.” Revelation 7:9-10. Do you plan to be one of those who cry out, “Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb”? I sure do. Like the old song goes, “Lord, I want to be in that number. . . .” I plan, as I’m sure you do, to be in that number. To look at the Father upon on His throne, and Jesus sitting next to Him on His throne—to look at the four beasts (living creatures) and the 24 elders and all the angels and, finally, the unnumbered redeemed? O yes, I want to be there! To gaze at the high, lifted-up thrones of gold on the beautiful, crystal sea of glass, with the river of life flowing out from the throne of God, and then the trunks of the tree of life on either side of the river, meeting together above to form one complete, magnificent tree, and the luscious fruit hanging off each branch. . . . We just can’t miss it! Can you only imagine as we look upon that scene, as we begin to fully recognize that we have indeed been adopted back into the family of God, grafted back into the Vine, never more to get sick, feel pain or



experience any of the ramifications of sin, how our hearts must just burst into rapturous song? And then, our new, melodious voices, singing and talking with such musical abilities as we have never heard before from a human being, will cause even more love and adoration to flow from our hearts and lips. Again, I cannot express how badly I want to be there, and how I long for it. Don’t you feel the same? I know you do. And to believe that all my wrongs have been paid for, all my sins expunged not only from my life but even the record books, with purity and holiness taking their place. . . . I haven’t even begun to imagine that yet! To look upon the One who took my sins, rebellion and selfishness upon Himself, willingly, because of His and His Father’s immense love for me personally, just calls forth even more praise, love and adoration. I can almost envision being there . . . with the numberless multitude uniting their voices in one, harmonious, vibrant whole. All with looks of joy, peace, contentedness and utter, utter happiness, the waves of love for what Jesus and the Father have done for us coming over us again and again until we almost beg for something to do to show our appreciation. And then, Jesus utters the duties and responsibilities of each one, those glorious tasks that He created us for, the jobs that the fallen angels

used to have that are now ours, and we smile smiles that cannot and will not ever be erased, because it is our highest joy to do whatever Jesus bids us do. “Heaven will triumph, for the vacancies made by the fall of Satan and his host will be filled by the redeemed of the Lord.” UL 61 “Clad in His meekness and lowliness they find their highest joy in doing His service. Earthly ambition gives way to a desire to serve the Master.” TMK 123 Then imagine the joy of the angels who now have new friends to accompany them on their errands and duties for the Master, and the joy unspeakable in all of our hearts as we recount God’s blessings to each one of us for the last 6,000 years. How God intervened in our behalf, how our trials were actually refining us for the service we are engaged in now, how our heavenly guardians protected and watched over us tirelessly. I don’t think it will be hard to find something to talk about during our travels. The coming of the Lord! What a day that will be! Don’t you just long for it? Ache for it? Dream about it? Talk about it? Practice your smile, because . . . it is almost here!  Joe Olson serves as the executive director and chairman of the board of Hope International. He also travels as an international speaker.

Our Firm Foundation

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Table of Contents Our Mission - It is the mission of Hope

International and the editors of Our Firm Foundation to clearly present Christ and His truth. The days remaining for this world are few, and we must work quickly. We must boldly proclaim the historic truths of Adventism that place us on so firm a foundation in the midst of this troubled world.—Editors Editor Emeritus: Ron Spear Executive Director: Joe Olson [email protected]

Editor: Heidi Heiks [email protected]

Bookstore Manager: Kaye Olson [email protected]

Hope For Health Center: Heather Olson, R.N. [email protected]

Layout & Design: Paul & Mihaela Williams MontanaDigitalCreations.com MontanaMusicalCreations.com

Volume  22,  Number  2

February  2007

4 12 15

Understanding Aright the Daily – Part 1

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The Weight of Evidence

T h e o l o g i c a l Wa y m a r k s — H e i d i H e i k s “We are nearing the time when we shall stand individually alone to answer for our belief.”

Words of Warning – No. 3 Ellen G. White We may understand signs of the nearness of Jesus’ second advent, so we may be prepared.

The Three Angels’ Messages – Part 2 Ron Spear What excuse will we give if we fail to do our part to warn the world?

Our Firm Foundation is published monthly by:

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About Hope International Hope International is a lay ministry founded, supported, and operated by Seventh-day Adventists to assist God’s Church in the proclamation of the Everlasting Gospel in every way that is consistent with the principles of God as revealed in Inspiration. Invitation to Writers We are accepting article-length manuscripts (1850 to 2250 words) for possible publication in Our Firm Foundation. We prefer that submissions be submitted in Word .doc format as a computer file or on letter size paper neatly typed. Include a digital picture and a short bio. Please address all correspondence to Editors, Our Firm Foundation, PO Box 220, Knoxville, IL 61448, or by email to [email protected]. Subscription Information : See page 30 See page 30 Shipping & Sales Tax : Content credited in this publication is the property of its respective owner(s), and is licensed or used with permission. Other items are the property of Hope International. Cover Photo: © iStockPhoto.com (clouds); Higher Clips CD (sanctuary & prophet)

Ralph Larson Ignoring the weight of evidence and making use of “loophole logic” characterizes those seeking to evade truth and justify a wrong course.

Editorial

page 2

Theological Waymarks

page 4

Children’s Story

page 24

Health Gem

page 25

News Watch

page 26

Historical Footnotes

page 28

Product Catalog

page 29

Letters to the Editor

page 31

Theological Waymarks

Heidi Heiks

U nde r s tand ing A righ t the Dail y, S c rip turall y and His toricall y, Par t 1

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s we have already learned, “our first work is with the heart.” RH July 7, 1904. But what is the heart of Seventh-day Adventism? Unequivocally, it is found in Daniel 8:9-14: the cleansing of the Sanctuary. “The correct understanding of the ministration in the heavenly sanctuary is the foundation of our faith.” Letter 208, 1906. “The subject of the sanctuary and the investigative judgment should be clearly understood by the people of God. All need a knowledge for themselves of the position and work of their great High Priest. Otherwise it will be impossible for



them to exercise the faith which is essential at this time or to occupy the position which God designs them to fill. “. . . It is of the utmost importance that all should thoroughly investigate these subjects and be able to give an answer to everyone that asketh them a reason of the hope that is in them.” CG 488-9.

Expect Scrutiny of Beliefs Why does Ellen White put so much emphasis on all needing a knowledge for themselves? “Every position of truth taken by our peo-

ple will bear the criticism of the greatest minds; the highest of the world’s great men will be brought in contact with truth, and therefore every position we take should be critically examined and tested by the Scriptures. Now we seem to be unnoticed, but this will not always be. Movements are at work to bring us to the front, and if our theories of truth can be picked to pieces by historians or the world’s greatest men, it will be done. “We must individually know for ourselves what is truth, and be prepared to give a reason of the hope that we have with meekness

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“We are nearing the time when we shall stand individually alone to answer for our belief.”

and fear, not in a proud, boasting, self-sufficiency, but with the spirit of Christ. We are nearing the time when we shall stand individually alone to answer for our belief.” Letter 6, 1886.

Not-So-Firm Foundation “Men rest satisfied with the light already received from God’s word and discourage any further investigation of the Scriptures. They

their belief, they will be surprised to see how confused are their ideas of what they had accepted as truth. . . . Believers are not to rest in suppositions and ill-defined ideas of what constitutes truth. Their faith must be firmly founded upon the word of God so that when the testing time shall come and they are brought before councils to answer for their faith they may be able to give a reason for the hope that is in them, with meekness and fear.

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“I have been shown that many who profess to have a knowledge of present truth know not what they believe.” become conservative and seek to avoid discussion. . . . When no new questions are started by investigation of the Scriptures, when no difference of opinion arises which will set men to searching the Bible for themselves to make sure that they have the truth, there will be many now, as in ancient times, who will hold to tradition and worship they know not what. “I have been shown that many who profess to have a knowledge of present truth know not what they believe. They do not understand the evidences of their faith. They have no just appreciation of the work for the present time. When the time of trial shall come, there are men now preaching to others who will find, upon examining the positions they hold, that there are many things for which they can give no satisfactory reason. Until thus tested they knew not their great ignorance. And there are many in the church who take it for granted that they understand what they believe; but, until controversy arises, they do not know their own weakness. When separated from those of like faith and compelled to stand singly and alone to explain

Volume 22, Number 2

“. . . As a people we are called individually to be students of prophecy.” 5T 706-8. “If God has ever spoken by me, the time will come when you will be brought before councils, and every position of truth which you hold will be severely criticized. The

ply you with all the necessary facts and scripture to fortify your minds so at the end of this series, you will be able to give an answer to anyone that asks and to do it with confidence. Standing alone before a judge or jury to defend our beliefs is neither the time nor the place to realize that we are confused in our ideas of what we had accepted as truth—to realize we had been building with rotten timbers Remember, to be forewarned is to be forearmed. At Hope International, friendship—brotherly love—is our only motive for presenting this information you are about to digest, for in it, we believe, is another stepping stone to help bring the unity that Christ prayed for in John 17.

Little-Known Documentation To Be Presented What we here document will be new to most Seventh-day Adventists. It will change the viewpoints of many who have been taught interpretations inconsistent with the facts you are about to read.

“The Lord says, ‘Come together.’ This should be done as soon as possible, for we have no time to lose.” time that so many are now allowing to go to waste should be devoted to the charge that God has given us of preparing for the approaching crisis.” 5T 717.

Series’ Purpose Is Preparation The purpose of this series is to prepare all to be able to stand individually and alone in the courtroom to answer for our faith, “. . . a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Tim. 2:15. Therefore it is our commitment to you to sup-

However, we cannot and do not hold those who took a position different from what is to be presented in a subversive light, for they have based their understanding on what little information they had. Our subject matter in this issue is the “daily,” a topic on which our church is unnecessarily divided, as you will soon see. You may ask, “Does it really matter what one believes about the ‘daily’? Can this issue ever be truly, finally resolved?” We believe so, and our intention is unity. We believe that any wedge between





of the White Estate for all their willing assistance in helping me to pull all this together, and to Tim, in particular, for granting me the right to publish this documentation. Also, my appreciation goes to Bert Haloviak, Director of Archives and Statistics of the General Conference, for his willingness for me to use selective material that I requested on this topic from his department. I also want to thank Marcus Frey at the Ellen G. White vault at Andrews University for all of his kind and courteous help.

Is Now the Time? Some may be asking, “Why should Seventh-day Adventists even be looking at this topic in this late hour?” There are actually many

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brothers—any inconsistency in our beliefs—can and will be exploited by those who wish to undermine the confidence we have in our faith. The more we are fortified by the truth, the more capable will be our testimony when we are called to stand alone before kings and counselors. To that end, we will look at what Adventism’s founding fathers actually taught and believed. That means we will document every piece of information we present from the personal and private letters of the leading brethren from the 1830’s and even beyond the death of Ellen G. White. These letters were their correspondence to one another related to the ongoing discussion of the “daily”. I want to thank Tim Poirier and Larry Crews

reasons, as we will soon illustrate. The first and foremost one is that God has given His final instruction to Ellen White regarding our duty and responsibility concerning this topic. Many have assumed that instruction can be found in the third volume of Selected Messages, pages 164-168, but that is a false assumption. If one knew the circumstances confronting the church at that time, it would be seen as only natural that Ellen White would caution the church in those pages with the instruction, “Under present conditions, silence is eloquence.” Likewise, in that time period she wrote, “Let not ‘the daily,’ or any other subject that will arouse controversy among brethren, be brought in at this time.” Another admonition was spelled out this way: “As a result of the way this subject has been handled by men on both sides of the question, controversy has arisen and confusion has resulted. . . .” However, God gave additional counsel through Mrs. White, of which many are unaware. It was not intended that we never agree on the “daily.” It was not meant that there would be no end to this controversy on the “daily” which divides us. In fact, we read in inspired counsel that we are to resolve this matter among us. It is in the following letter that we will find the clear directives for God’s people regarding the last will and instruction delegated to God’s people of our duty and response to this subject. Let us fully comprehend our instruction: “MR No. 1470 - Doctrines to Be Investigated; Unity to Be Sought (Written May 24, 1910, from Sanitarium, California, to Elder and Mrs. S. N. Haskell.) “I have been waiting for the time when there should be an investigation of the doctrines that Brother Daniells and others have been advocating. When is this to be? “If Elder Daniells thinks that some of the interpretations of Scripture that have been held in the past are not cor-

rect, our brethren should listen to his reasons, and give candid consideration to his views. All should examine closely their own standing, and by a thorough knowledge of the principles of our faith, be prepared to vindicate the truth. “We must not be inconsistent in this matter. God requires clean hearts, pure minds, and an intelligent belief in the truth. ‘Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.’ At present there is not that unity that should exist among our brethren, and the Lord says, ‘Come together.’ This should be done as soon as possible, for we have no time to lose. “Is not the present a favorable time for you and others of our ministering brethren in this conference to meet with Elder Daniells for a thorough examination of the points of faith regarding which there are different views? [Isaiah 11:1-16; 12:1-6, quoted.] “I am directed to write these Scriptures for the consideration of those who shall assemble for the purpose of blending together under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. ‘Bind up the testimony, seal the law among My disciples.’ A special work now rests upon us of solemnly investigating these matters, and in the name of the Lord to unify.”--Letter 50, 1910; 20 MR 223. The letter was plain in its intention and the council was clear. Seventh-day Adventists were to study the issue out and unify! But did they?

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A Failure to Unify The answer can be found in Arthur White’s six-page article entitled “Concerning Elder A. G. Daniells,” published December 4, 1953, in file no. DF 201-b, pg. 2. We quote: “What Actually Took Place “On May 24, 1910, Mrs. E.G. White called Elder W.C. White to her room and asked what was being done in regard to

Volume 22, Number 2

the teaching of the new and old views of the ‘daily.’ She asked why those who were leading out in these discussions did not get together and study the matter un ited ly, a nd she ex pr es s ed r eg r et t h at s uc h a me et i ng h ad not b e e n h e l d . O n t h a t same day she dis-

manifested by our brethren. We are on dangerous ground when we cannot meet together like Christians, and courteously examine controverted points. I feel like fleeing from the place lest I receive the mold of those who cannot candidly investigate the doctrines of

“We are not to make a study as to what are the opinions of men, what are the traditions of the Fathers, or what is the popular faith. . . . Our inquiry should be, What hath God said. . . ?” patched a letter to Elder S. N. Haskell, and directed that copies should be sent to Elders Loughborough, Irwin, and Daniells. In this she made an appeal for the brethren who were then on the Pacific Coast, including those named above and also Elder Salisbury to come together in ‘examination of the points of faith regarding which there are different v iews.’ The meeting failed to materialize.”

If Not Now, When? If Not Us, Who?

the Bible. Those who cannot impartially examine the evidences of position that differs from theirs, are not fit to teach in any department of God’s cause. . . . “. . . When the Spirit of God rests upon you, there will be no feeling of envy or jealousy in examining another position; there will be no spirit of accusation and criticism, such as Satan inspired in the hearts of the Jewish leaders against Christ. . . . You must have the divine mold before you can discern the sacred claims of the truth.

This failure on the part of early Adventists does not change the directive given to God’s people. The Lord still says, “‘Come together.’ This should be done as soon as possible, for we have no time to lose.” Letter 50, 1910; 20 MR 223. Armed with conclusive documentation, then, let us begin.

How to Settle Disagreements But how shall we handle the same sensitive subject at this present time? Graciously, our lovingly Heavenly Father never leaves his children without counsel and instruction: “. . . Nothing frightens me more than to see the spirit of variance



the testimony, and if it does not bear this test, it is not true. . . .” Review & Herald, February 18,1890.

A Plain Path Before Us With that inspired counsel before us, let us resolve to calmly and intelligently pursue our topic under consideration. “Let not your faith stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” 1 Cor. 2:5. Ellen White simplifies this Biblical truth with the following: “Let all who accept human authority, the customs of the church, or the traditions of the fathers, take heed to the warning conveyed in the words of Christ, ‘In vain they do worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments

“What reserve power has the Lord with which to reach those who have cast aside His warnings and reproofs. . . ?” his?—No, go to God. . . . “. . . When a message is presented to God’s people, they should not rise up in opposition to it; they should go to the Bible, comparing it with the law and



of men.’” DA 398. “We are not to make a study as to what are the opinions of men, what are the traditions of the Fathers, or what is the popular faith. We cannot trust to the voice of the multitude, or follow the world in an evil course. Our inquiry should be, What hath God said. . . ? “The duty of studying the Scriptures is not left as an optional matter, on which little depends. The Lord positively enjoins upon every believer the study of his word, that he may have an intelligent faith, built upon the knowledge of the word of truth. He must dig for truth as one who digs for hidden treasure. He must search the Scriptures, comparing scripture with scripture, and thus fitting himself to become a laborer with God in a more extended work.” MM, May 1, 1892 “We shall be attacked on every point; we shall be tried to the utmost. We do not want to hold our faith simply because it was handed

down to us by our fathers. Such a faith will not stand the terrible test that is before us.” RH April 29, 1884. Have Seventh-day Adventists been guilty of holding onto the traditions of the fathers above a “thus saith the Lord”? According to inspiration, we find in the affirmative. Indeed, we have been given a warning and a prediction on this very issue. So what is our only safe and due course? “But God will have a people upon the earth to maintain the Bible, and the Bible only, as the standard of all doctrines and the basis of all reforms.” GC 595. This obviously leaves no room for the traditions of the fathers or the opinions of men. But where does this place the writings of Ellen White? Let us allow her to answer this question.

The Role of the Testimonies “The Lord designs to warn you, to reprove, to counsel, through the testimonies given, and to impress your minds with the importance of the truth of His word. The written testimonies are not to give new light, but to impress vividly upon the heart the truths of inspiration already revealed. Man’s duty to God and to his fellow man has been distinctly specified in God’s word, yet but few of you are obedient to the light given. Additional truth is not brought out; but God has through the Testimonies simplified the great truths already given and in His own chosen way brought them before the people to awaken and impress the mind with them, that all may be left without excuse.” 5T 665. Here we see that the Testimonies were given to impress upon the mind the truthfulness of God’s written word. They did not give new light, neither additional light, but, rather, simplified the great truths already given in His word, that all may be left without excuse. This will bring some to a crossroads, as we will shortly illustrate.

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Unless the teacher is a learner in the school of Christ, he is not fitted to teach others.” “. . . If there is a point of truth that you do not understand, upon which you do not agree, investigate, compare scripture with scripture. . . . “. . . Would it not be well for us to go under the fig tree to plead with God as to what is truth. . . ? “. . . God wants us to depend upon him, and not upon man. He desires us to have a new heart; he would give us revealing of light from the throne of God. We should wrestle with every difficulty, but when some controverted point is presented, are you to go to man to find out his opinion, and then shape your conclusion from

All or None of Mrs. White One of the Biblical tests of a true prophet of God is found in the book of Isaiah. “To the law [the first five books of the Old Testament, which includes the ten commandments] and to the testimony [the prophets]: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” Isa. 8:20. I think all are agreed that Ellen White has to be to be placed under one of two banners. She is either a true prophet proclaiming simplified truths from God’s word, or she is a false prophet, having no light whatsoever. The former places the divine stamp on her written counsel; the latter makes all of her words suspect. There is no middle ground here. We endorse the former. Simply put, this establishes the fact that when Ellen White speaks, it is not her words but God’s word simplifying the great truths already given in the Bible. “Permit me to express my mind, and yet not my mind, but the word of the Lord.” Letter 89, 1899.

In the judgment, what can you who have done this, offer to God as an excuse for turning from the evidences He has given you that God was in the work?” 3SM 70. We cannot think of one excuse. Therefore, we submit and acknowledge that the same Holy Spirit that inspired the prophets of old, inspired the writings of Ellen White. Both, therefore, will speak and uphold one and the same meaning.

sacred work; for in their research they are to receive light and a correct knowledge that they may give to those who are ignorant. Education is the inculcation of ideas, which are light and truth. Everyone who diligently and patiently searches the Scriptures that he may educate others, entering upon the work correctly and with an honest heart, laying aside his pre­conceived ideas, whatever they may have been, and his

For the true Seventh-day Adventist, when the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy speak on any given topic, that ends all controversy and contrary views, and the case is forever closed. Would you not agree? So let us now proceed with the purpose of this series: to establish, for all time and for the sake of unity, the meaning and significance of the “daily.”

heredi­tary prejudices at the door of investigation, will gain true knowledge. But it is easy to put a false interpretation on Scrip­ture, placing stress on passages, and assigning to them a mean­ing, which, at the first investigation, may appear true, but which by further search, will be seen to be false. If the seeker after truth will compare Scripture with Scripture, he will find the key that unlocks the treasure house and gives him a true under­standing of the Word of God. Then he will see that his first impressions would not bear investigation, and that continuing to believe them would be mixing falsehood with truth.” Manuscript 4, 1896. “For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little.” Isaiah 28:10.

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Dissecting or Rejecting The Testimonies “For those who would take issue with this, we have the following counsel. “I have my work to do, to meet the misconceptions of those who suppose themselves able to say what is testimony from God and what is human production. If those who have done this work continue in this course, satanic agencies will choose for them. “. . . Those who have helped souls to feel at liberty to specify what is of God in the Testimonies and what are the uninspired words of Sister White, will find that they were helping the devil in his work of deception. . . . “What reserve power has the Lord with which to reach those who have cast aside His warnings and reproofs, and have accredited the testimonies of the Spirit of God to no higher source than human wisdom?

Volume 22, Number 2

A Biblical Foundation Where should a Bible-believing Christian begin his or her study on the “daily”? There is no answer but one. Our foundation begins with the Bible, as inspiration rightly confirms: “All who handle the Word of God are engaged in a most solemn and



Old Testament Evidence

Our Study Begins in Daniel 8 Following the counsel of Inspiration and Isaiah 28:10, let us now turn to Daniel 8:11, where we find the first reference to the “daily.” It is in this first usage of the term that we find its definition, theme, and context for its intended usage. “Yea, he magnified himself even to the prince of the host, and by him the daily sacrifice was taken away, and the place of his sanctuary was cast down.” Dan. 8:11. In the Hebrew of the Old Testament, “daily” is tamid or tamiyd (#8548 in Strong’s Concordance or Old Testament lexicons). The context of its usage gives certain light as to its meaning. The theme and context in which the “daily” finds its home in the book of Daniel is none other than that of the sanctuary. As we look at the following texts, it will become abundantly clear to the reader that the prophets had one thought in mind and one only:

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Ex. 25:30 “And thou shalt set upon the table shewbread before me alway.” Ex. 27:20, 21 “And thou shalt command the children of Israel, that they bring thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamp to burn always. “In the tabernacle of the congregation without the vail, which is before the testimony, Aaron and his sons shall order it from evening to morning before the LORD: it shall be a statute for ever unto their generations on the behalf of the children of Israel.” Ex. 29:38 “Now this is that which thou shalt offer upon the altar; two lambs of the first year day by day continually.” Ex. 29:42 “This shall be a continual burnt offering throughout your generations at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the LORD: where I will meet you, to speak there unto thee.” Ex. 30:8 “And when Aaron lighteth the lamps at even, he shall burn incense upon it, a perpetual incense before the LORD throughout your generations.”

New Testament Support Turning now to the book of Hebrews, we find total consistency from the Old Testament prophets to

the New Testament. Heb. 7:3 “Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.” Heb. 7:27 “Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.” Heb. 9:6 “Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God.” Heb. 10:1 ”For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.” Heb. 10:11 “And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins.” Here we see perfect harmony between Old and New Testaments. Let us now inquire if Ellen White is in harmony with the rule of faith.

Harmony in Inspiration “After His ascension, our Saviour was to begin His work as our High Priest. Says Paul, ‘Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us.’ Hebrews 9:24. As Christ’s ministration was to consist of two great divisions, each occupying a period of time and having a distinctive place in the heavenly sanctuary, so the typical ministration consisted of two divisions, the daily and the yearly service, and to each a department of the tabernacle was devoted. As Christ at His ascension appeared in the presence of God to plead His blood in behalf

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the “daily” was always used in connection with the ministerial work of the priest in the first apartment. Never was the “daily” attributed to the work of the priest in the second apartment, or to anything else, as will be shown in the following biblical verses. In every case, the underlined word, each one written in the context of the sanctuary, has the very same reference number “8548” as does the “daily” in Daniel 8:11 in the Old Testament. Without question, then, the meaning of the “daily” is synonymous with the meaning of these words.

of penitent believers, so the priest in the daily ministration sprinkled the blood of the sacrifice in the holy place in the sinner’s behalf.” PP 357. Once again we see perfect harmony. Those three harmonious sources clearly demonstrate the following principal: “Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.” 1 Cor. 14:29. “This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.” 2 Cor. 13:1.

Inescapable Conclusion

A Reward for Contrary Proof During the school year of 2005 I presented this biblical and historical information to college students taking my sanctuary class. As can be imagined, among a variety of reactions, many were shell-shocked. We point to those who promote Sunday as the “Christian Sabbath” that was supposedly changed from the seventh day to the first day of the week in the New Testament. In the past, various church leaders have offered a cash reward for anyone that can produce the so-called “missing” Bible text to prove that it was God’s will that such a change be made. The offer was made to make people think and study for themselves. That reward money has never been collected. And in order to encourage my students, as well as the college faculty, to think and study this out for themselves, I personally offered a $1000 cash reward for anyone (from the international community, as well) to produce just one Bible text from the Authorized Version that

states that the “daily” is paganism. Just one! To this day, no one has approached me with that missing Bible text. Indeed, this reward offer will be valid so long as the good Lord lends me breath. Next Month With a Biblical foundation firmly laid, we are now ready for the next definitive point in our study. It will take us to the fascinating pages of history. In the next issue, we will begin by fully documenting what the Millerites and the Adventist brethren really believed and what they actually taught in regards to the “daily.” In addition, Ellen White had more to say on this matter than many have believed. We hope you will join us next month; you will not be disappointed.  Heidi Heiks, editor of Our Firm Foundation magazine, has been a college educator, an author, and a radio speaker for The People of the Book radio program. He continues to write and is currently a teacher and speaker for Hope International throughout the United States.

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Therefore, the meaning of the “daily” is solidly established by “It is written”! We see that it is none other than the ministerial work of the priest in the first apartment of the sanctuary. From nowhere in the entire Bible has anyone been able to produce even one text that says the “daily” is paganism--not one! That interpretation is alien to the Bible and to the prophets, and so is its doctrine. So how did many come to believe that the “daily” was paganism? What do we do with the reference to the “daily” in Early Writings, pages 74-5? Did any of our denominational forefathers have any scrip-

ture support for advocating that the “daily” was paganism? Of necessity and in fairness, these and many more questions will soon be answered.

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Words of Warning -

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El l e n G . Wh i te

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hen if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before. Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not. For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” Here, again, the warning regarding the destruction of Jerusalem is blended with the warning of the second advent. The disciples heard Christ’s words, but they did not then fully understand them. It was necessary for the Holy Spirit to guide them into all truth, bringing to their remembrance all things that Christ had said to them. They could not understand why he connected the perils of the overthrow of Jerusalem with the perils of the last days. But those who live in this age may understand Christ’s warning, and should place it in the period where it belongs. The gospel must be carried to every kingdom

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under heaven, and then shall the end come. Disciples Couldn’t Comprehend or Endure Future Scenes Christ knew that the disciples could not comprehend the instruction he had given them in answer to their question, “When shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?” He knew the terrible future of the once-chosen people of God; but he knew, also, that his disciples could not then fully understand his description of the fearful scenes to be enacted at the destruction of Jerusalem. In his answer, the two events—the destruction of Jerusalem, and the end of the world—were merged into one. It was in mercy to his disciples that Christ blended these events, leaving them to study out the meaning for themselves. Christ had made every effort to keep his disciples informed in regard to the truth. He had given them every opportunity to know the truth. He had invited them to put their confidence in him as the Messiah, and in his mission and work, but they had not yet a proper understanding of the nature of his

kingdom. They were thrilled with distress as they listened to his lamentation over Jerusalem; but they did not realize the true meaning of his words. Had Christ opened the future to them as he saw it, they would have been unable to endure the scene. To the last, they looked for a temporal kingdom, to be established at Jerusalem. Christ’s revelation of the scenes to take place at the destruction of Jerusalem, they associated with his personal coming, when he himself would punish the Jews, but would also free them from Roman bondage. He had told them definitely that he would come a second time, and they thought that probably his judgments would fall upon those who had rejected his love. He would then, they thought, lay low every stone in the temple; for they believed that no earthly power could do this. But long before Christ’s second coming, retribution fell upon the apostate nation, which was still further to show its hatred against Christ by its treatment of his followers. Signs of Christ’s Soon Return From the destruction of Jerusalem, Christ passed on to a

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We m a y u n d e r s ta n d s i g n s o f t h e n e a r n e s s o f J e s u s’ s e c o n d a d v e n t, s o we m a y b e p r e p a r e d.

much greater event,—the last link in the chain of this earth’s history, —the coming of the Son of God in majesty and glory. “Immediately after the tribulation of those days,” he said, “shall the sun be darkened and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: and then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, when they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.” Christ gave special directions in regard to this event. “Now learn a parable of the fig-tree,” he said; “when his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: so likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. Verily I say unto you, This generation [the generation that saw the signs] shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” “But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.” Christ plainly said that he himself could not make known the day or the hour of his second appearing. Had he been at liberty to make this time known, what need would there have been for him to exhort his followers to maintain an attitude of earnest watchfulness, living, working, and waiting as if their time was not their own, but the Lord’s; cultivating fidelity, faith, and love; and purifying the soul through the truth?

they are in trying to map out the future, which the Lord has placed in a thick cloud; and notwithstanding their failures, they continue their work. But their reasoning is false, and the Lord has warned them off the ground they occupy; for the coming of the Son of man is God’s mystery. “Secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children forever.” Earth Before Second Advent “But as the days of Noe were,” Christ continued, “so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming

Noah’s day, so will it be when the Son of man comes. How was it in Noah’s day?— ”God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” Had man cooperated with God, there would have been no Cain-worshipers. Abel’s example of obedience would have been followed. Men might have worked out the will of God. They might have obeyed his law, and in obedience they would have found salvation. God and the heavenly universe would have helped them to retain the divine likeness. Longevity would have been preserved; and God would have delighted in the work of his hands. But the inhabitants of the antediluvian world turned from Jehovah, refusing to do his will. They followed their

The storm is coming, relentless in its fury. Are we prepared to meet it? of the Son of man be.” Christ does not here bring to view a temporal millennium,—a thousand years in which all are to prepare for eternity. He tells us that as it was in

unholy imagination and perverted ideas. “God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth. And God said unto

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Exact Time Withheld for Good Reason Christ told his disciples that the time of his coming was involved in secrecy; yet notwithstanding this, there have been and will be those who claim to know when this great event will take place. Very earnest

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and moral pollution. Bank failures ruin thousands of families. Widows and orphans are left to starve. Every species of indulgence prevails. Men have become so infatuated with vice that they will not listen to warnings or appeals. Admonition for the Faithful “Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. . . . Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to smite his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; the lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, and shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his

portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” This is the day of the Lord’s preparation. He says: “Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.” The great work from which the mind should not be diverted, is the consideration of our safety in the sight of God. The storm is coming, relentless in its fury. Are we prepared to meet it? Are our feet on the Rock of Ages? Are we one with Christ, as he is one with the Father? RH, December 27, 1898.  Ellen G. White, 18271915, received the spiritual gift of prophecy, and the fruits of her life and work accord with the biblical tests of a true messenger of God. To this day, her counsels are an incalculable blessing to God’s people around the world.

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Noah, . . . Make thee an ark of gopherwood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch. . . . And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; and everything that is in the earth shall die.” Remember the warning, “As the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” It was because of the wickedness of the inhabitants of the old world, that they were destroyed; and today the world is following in the same way. No flattering signs of millennial glory are to be seen. Human lawmakers open their law-books, and pronounce sentence against those who do not keep their laws. But those who frame and enforce these laws are themselves transgressors of God’s law, and their transgression is filling the earth with wickedness. Betting, horse-racing, gambling, dissipation, lustful practises, untamable passions, are fast filling the earth with violence

Three A ngels’ Messages The

Ro n S p e a r

Pa r t 2

What excuse will we give if we fail to do our part to warn the world?

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The Second Angel’s Message his message proclaims the fall of Babylon. What is Babylon? Of course, we know that Babylon was an ancient city which was in ruins in John’s day. In the Babylonian language, Babylon meant “gate of the gods.” But the word in the Hebrew meant “to confuse.” The city of Babylon was founded by Nimrod (See Genesis 10:10; 11:3-9). From its beginning Babylon was the center of rebellion against God. The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, page 831, explains the phrase “Babylon is fallen” in these words: “Babylon is a comprehensive term that John employs to describe all religious bodies and movements that have fallen away from the truth. This fact requires us to view this ‘fall’ as progressive and cumulative.” See The Great Controversy, 389­-390; Early Writings, 277. “This prophecy of the fall of Babylon finds its last-day fulfillment in the departure of Protestantism at large from the purity and simplicity of the gospel (see on Revelation 14:4). This message was first preached by the advent movement known as Millerism, in the summer of 1844, and was applied to

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the churches that rejected the first angel’s message concerning the judgment (see on verse 7). The message will have increasing relevance as the end draws near, and will meet its complete fulfillment w it h t he u n ion of t he va r iou s religious elements under the leadership of Satan (see on chapters 13:12-14; 17:12-14). The message of chapter 18:2-4 announces the complete downfall of Babylon and calls upon God’s people who are scat-

cry and Advent movement of the 1840’s and 50’s, but the greater fulfillment comes in our day, the end of time, the last generation: “The first and second messages were given in 1843 and 1844, and we are now under the proclamation of the third; but all three of the messages are still to be proclaimed. It is just as essential now as ever before that they shall be repeated to those who are seeking for the truth. By pen and voice we are to sound the

“Everything is now at stake. The third angel’s message is to be regarded as of the highest importance. It is a life and death question.” tered throughout the various religious bodies composing Babylon, to separate from them.” The Seventhday Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, 830 (editors of the Commentary).

Greater Fulfillment Now We must remember that the three angels’ messages had their initial fulfillment in the midnight

proclamation, showing their order, and the application of the prophecies that bring us to the third angel’s message. There cannot be a third without the first and second. These messages we are to give to the world in publications, in discourses, showing in the line of prophetic history the things that have been and the things that will be.” Selected Messages, book 2, 104-105.

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The Third Angel’s Message This message is sent forth to warn the world against receiving the mark of the beast. The unveil-

ment, and showing that there is no foundation in the Word of God for Sunday observance, and yet you still cling to the false sabbath, refusing to keep holy the Sabbath which God calls ‘My holy day,’ you receive the mark of the beast. When does this take place? When you obey the decree that commands you to cease from labor on Sunday and worship God, while

“The Truth Should Be Everything to Us.” ing of the prophecies of Daniel has brought to our attention the fact that the little horn power of Daniel 7:25 “will think to change times and laws.” We understand this to be an attempt by Satan through the papacy to change the Sabbath from the seventh day to the first day of the week. The devil has attempted to counterfeit everything that God has done. His counterfeit sabbath has been his masterpiece, only to be exceeded by his last great masterpiece of deception—the impersonation of Christ at the end of time. “If the light of truth has been presented to you, revealing the Sabbath of the fourth command-

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you know that there is not a word in the Bible showing Sunday to be other than a common working day, you consent to receive the mark of the beast, and refuse the seal of God.” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, 980. But going to church on Saturday instead of Sunday does not free us from this mark. Going to church is good, but true, sincere worship of God in every word, thought, and action is the only measure of Sabbathkeeping that God will accept. Even Seventh-day Adventists, if they do not enter into dedicated Sabbath worship from love for the Creator, will one day join the ranks of the Sundaykeepers and receive the mark of the beast, even

though they now attend Sabbath services faithfully.

Everything at Stake The Lord again helps us to understand the third angel’s message: “This message embraces the two preceding messages. It is represented as being given with a loud voice; that is, with the power of the Holy Spirit. Everything is now at stake. The third angel’s message is to be regarded as of the highest importance. It is a life and death question. The impression made by this message will be proportionate to the earnestness and s o l e m n i t y w i t h w h i c h i t i s proclaimed. . . . The third angel’s message increases in importance as we near the close of this earth’s history. . . .” Ibid. If we keep t he Sabbat h as it should be kept, by the grace and the power of God, we will also keep the other nine commandments. May God help each of us to begin keeping the Sabbath faithfully with all our heart, mind, body and soul, so that we can receive the seal of the living God, be numbered among the 144,000, and soon stand with Jesus on the sea of glass.

Moral Courage Needed “If ever there was a time in the history of Seventhday Adventists when they should arise and shine, it i s n o w. N o voice should be restrained from proclaiming the third angel’s message. Let none, for fear of losing prestige with the world, obscure one ray of light coming from the Source of all light. “It requires moral courage to

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This is the greatest warning that has ever been given in Scripture. Woe unto the leaders; woe unto the pastors; woe unto the laity who refuse to give this warning.

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do the work of God for these last days, but let us not be led by the spirit of human wisdom. The truth should be everything to us. Let those who want to make a name with the world go with the world. The great conflict is right at hand in which all will take sides. In it the whole Christian world will be involved. Daily, hourly, we must be actuated by the principles of the Word of God. Self must be sanctified by the principles of the righteousness, the mercy, and the love of God.” The Upward Look, 171. The greatest tragedy in the Seventh-day Adventist Church today, in this final crisis, is that very few of our pastors and our leaders will preach the three angels’ messages. Very few are keeping the Sabbath according to Isaiah 58:13-14. “If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.” The majority keep Saturday as a holiday, but not a day of worship. This has brought a tremendous crisis—apostasy.  Ron Spear, author and revivalist, has served the church for over fifty years, in both denominational and selfsupporting lines, as a missionary, union department secretary, evangelist, pastor, field secretary for the Review and Herald, and editor of Our Firm Foundation.

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The Weight of Evidence Ig nor i ng t he weig ht of ev idence a nd ma k i ng u s e of “loophole log ic ” c ha rac ter i zes t hos e s e ek i ng to evade t r ut h a nd ju st i f y a w rong cou rs e.

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Ralph Larson

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he Seventh-day Adventist “platform of truth” which brought light to a darkened world was formed through years of careful and prayerful study of the entire Bible. Some Christian groups were discounting the Old Testament while professing to accept the New. Others were going so far as to discount the four gospels and began their reading of the Bible with the story of Pentecost in the second chapter of Acts. Not a few were discounting the book Revelation.

Entire Bible to be Studied But our pioneers firmly rejected all such manipulative approaches to Bible study, and accepted without reservation the truth affirmed by the apostle Paul in 2 Timothy 3:16: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” The same principle of truth was set forth by God’s messenger in such statements as these: “I take the Bible just as it is, as the Inspired Word. I believe its utterances in an entire Bible.” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, 944-945. “I saw that the Word of God, as a whole, is a perfect chain, one portion linking into and explaining another.” Early Writings, 221. This same presupposition contributed directly to the next, that conclusions are to be based on the weight of the evidence, not on isolated or unclear passages.

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Only One Basis for Decisions “God designs that men shall not decide from impulse, but from weight of evidence, carefully comparing scripture with scripture.”

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The Desire of Ages, 458. “God does not propose to remove all occasion for unbelief. He gives evidence, which must be carefully investigated with a humble mind and a teachable spirit, and all should decide from the weight of evidence.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 255. “God gives sufficient evidence for the candid mind to believe; but he who turns from the weight of evidence . . . will be left in the cold, chilling atmosphere of unbe-

This procedure in Bible study was in strong contrast to the methods that were commonly employed by other religious groups, who passed by the many clear and direct scriptures on various points and fastened their attention on certain passages that were obscure or doubtful enough so that they could be interpreted as desired. This seeking of loopholes in evidence is termed “loophole logic.” This practice was especially prevalent

Deciding from the weight of evidence is a characteristic of the genuine truth-seeker. lief and questioning doubts, and will make shipwreck of faith.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 232. “God has made ample provision to establish the faith of all men, if they will decide from the weight of evidence.” Ibid., 583-584.

Loophole Logic

in regard to such subjects as the Sabbath, the state of the dead, and the biblical rules of health. Since the obvious scriptural truth regarding these subjects was not pleasing, these persons diligently sought a way of escaping from the truth by utilizing “loophole logic.” Those of us who have spent years in evangelistic work have met many of these people and have become familiar with their characteristic evasions. When those who are interested in our message once accept the principle of deciding from the weight of evidence, they have no further difficulty with this “loophole logic.” They readily recognize it as an attempt to evade the truth, rather than to clarify the truth. This may be taken as a basic general principle. Deciding from the weight of evidence is a characteristic of the genuine truth-seeker. Ignoring the weight of evidence and making use of “loophole logic” is a characteristic of those who are trying

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Taken Out of Context?

us by asserting that quotations are being used out of context simply because they are quotations, even though there has been no departure from the intention of the original

“In taking upon Himself man’s nature in its fallen condition, Christ did not in the least participate in its sin.” Evasions of truth seem to follow similar patterns. In previous articles we have pointed out the fallacy that is sometimes foisted upon us by those who make invalid accusations regarding “quotations out of context.” Actually, all quotations are out of (removed from) context, or else they would not be quotations. The real purpose of adding the words “out of context” to the word “quotations” is to indicate that the quotation has been used in a manner that the original writer did not intend, thus perverting the passage to an improper use. Some try to confuse and mislead

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writer. Ellen White is more precise in using the expression “statements . . . separate from their proper connection” (Manuscript Releases, vol. 5, 154) to describe a wrong use of quotations. Others describe them as “quotations used in violation of context.”

Quoted in Violation of Context We have seen that the use of Spirit of Prophecy quotations in violation of their context, contrary to the obvious intention of the writer, is a characteristic of

some of the materials being circulated by those who are promoting Calvinism among us. A glaring example is found on page 497 of Dr. L. E. Froom’s Movement of Destiny. Ellen White has written: “In taking upon Himself man’s nature in its fallen condition, Christ did not in the least participate in its sin.” Signs of the Times, June 9, 1898; Selected Messages, book 1, 256. As we have noted before, Dr. Froom laid aside the first part of this sentence and placed the last part of this sentence in a totally contrary paragraph of his own, thus producing this construction: “Took Sinless Nature of Adam Before Fall . . . He did not in the least participate in its sin.” This reverses the intention of the writer and causes her to be understood as having said the exact opposite of what she actually said. If we are to take the charitable view of this grievous departure from procedural integrity and assume that Dr. Froom had no wrong intention but was only confused as to Ellen White’s meaning, this leads to the question, How might that confusion have been avoided? Answer: By drawing conclu-

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to evade truth and justify their own wrong course.

sions from the weight of the evidence.

Four Hundred Weights In the twenty-five million words written by Ellen White, there is no lack of evidence as to her belief about the human nature of Christ. We are not required to do any guessing in order to ascertain her meaning. If we begin with a simple assessment of the evidence, we find that she expressed her views on this subject in writing approximately 400 times. Two conclusions are immediately apparent: First, no further evidence is needed. If we are not able to determine a writer’s intention as expressed in 400 statements, there would be nothing gained by supplying us with 4,000. The problem is obviously with us, not with the evidence. Second, if there are statements among the 400 that are not immediately clear to us, this problem can be readily resolved by comparisons with the other statements by the same writer. There is no reason to reach outside of Ellen White’s own writings to engage in highly speculative conjectures about the similarity between some of her words and the words of another writer. And if this procedure is carried to the extent of assuming that because Ellen White seems to agree with another writer’s thinking on a certain point, this indicates that she also agreed with that writer on other points, we are certainly abandoning sound principles of procedure and building on a perilously unstable foundation.

strain Ellen White’s words through the thinking of any other writer in order to ascertain their meaning. With 400 statements, we have all that we could possible need. By comparing one with another and deciding from the weight of evidence, we may readily comprehend her message and her intention. Having then taken assessment of the evidence and having concluded that it is fully adequate, we move on to analyze the 400

statements themselves.

Consistent, Clear, Scriptural Our first observation is that her testimony is remarkably consistent. She first went into print regarding the human nature of our Lord in the year 1858 in the book Spiritual Gifts, vol. 1, 25: “Jesus also told [the angels] . . . that He should take man’s fallen nature, and His strength would not

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Interpreting Inspiration Thus, when church members ask me what I think about certain comparisons of Ellen White’s writings with the writings of Herman Melville, I answer that I am comfortable with Herman Melville as interpreted by Ellen White. I am not comfortable with Ellen White as interpreted by Herman Melville (or anyone else). There is no need to

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be even equal with theirs.” Fifty-seven years later, a few months before her death, she closed her undeviating 400-statement testimony with this passage in Signs of the Times, January 5, 1915: “He made Himself of no reputation, took upon Himself the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of sinful flesh. . . . Sinless and exalted by nature, the Son of God consented to take the habiliments of humanity, to become one with the fallen race.” Between these two statements we find no indication that she ever changed her mind or felt the need to modify anything that she had written. The last statement is, if anything, more forceful than the first. Our next observation is that her testimony is scriptural. Like other Adventist writers (who may have been following her example), she focused her attention quite strongly on the statement of Paul in Romans 8:3: “God sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh.” She employed Paul’s words “in the likeness of sinful flesh” a total of twenty-eight times. We again point out that this provides us with all the material we need in order to ascertain her meaning if we will compare passage with passage and decide from the weight of evidence. There is no occasion to engage in such spurious human reasoning as is now being attempted by some writers and speakers among us. Our question must not be, “What can we do with Paul’s words?” but rather, “What did she do with Paul’s words?” 

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Ralph Larson, retired pastor and theologian, last served as dean of the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary, Far East.

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Hope International 2007 Camp Meeting & Dynamic Youth Program, May 25-28, 2007 Schedule of Events

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Friday 6:00 p.m. “The Gospel of Judas” Joe Olson Friday 7:30 p.m “The Abuse of Church Authority Today” Patrick Herbert ________________________________________________________________________________________ Sabbath 7:00 a.m. “How To Overcome” Ron Spear Sabbath 8:00 a.m. Breakfast ($5.00) Sabbath 9:30 a.m. “Healing Through Earth Therapy” Heather Olson Sabbath 11:00 a.m. “The Remnant of the Woman” David Kang Sabbath 12:30 p.m. Lunch ($5.00) Sabbath 2:00 p.m. “When Michael Stands Up” Clark Floyd Sabbath 3:15 p.m. “The Theological Roots of Anti-Semitism” Heidi Heiks Sabbath 4:30 p.m. Music Concert Selected Sabbath 6:00 p.m. Light Supper ($4.00) Sabbath 7:00 p.m. “The Parable of the Fig Tree” Joe Olson ________________________________________________________________________________________ Sunday 7:00 a.m. “Why Are We Here?” Lee Forbes Sunday 8:00 a.m. Breakfast ($5.00) Sunday 9:30 a.m. “Is Soy Dangerous?” Diane Herbert Sunday 11:00 a.m. “The Gospels in the Old Testament” Clark Floyd Sunday 12:30 p.m. Lunch ($5.00) Sunday 2:00 p.m. “The Fit Man” David Kang Sunday 3:15 p.m. “Forming Solid Family Foundations” Patrick Herbert Sunday 4:30 p.m. “Health Through God’s Garden” Heather Olson Sunday 6:00 p.m. Light Supper ($4.00) Sunday 7:00 p.m. “What Do Nazi Germany & SDA’s Have in Common?” Heidi Heiks ________________________________________________________________________________________ Monday 7:00 a.m. “To Be Prepared” Ron Spear Monday 8:00 a.m. “Breakfast ($5.00) Monday 9:30 a.m. “Where Do We Go From Here?” Lee Forbes Monday 11:00 a.m. “Diet & Degenerative Diseases” Diane Herbert

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“M

om, I’m tired of Sarah always being on my side of the room. Can’t you stop her?” Mom sighed. Lily was only two years younger than Sarah, but the two sisters couldn’t seem to peacefully share a bedroom together. Even though they had twin beds and separate dressers, somehow Sarah’s ways always irritated Lily. “What did she do to you this time, Lily?” “She put the rug closer to her bed than mine, as usual,” Lily exclaimed indignantly. “She does it every time she straightens up the room.” Mom wondered how she could calm Lily’s frustration. She knew Sarah didn’t irritate Lily on purpose, but Sarah was the neater of the two girls. She frequently picked up clutter in various rooms in their home. Mom appreciated Sarah’s helpfulness, but Lily certainly didn’t. Then Mom got an idea! She handed Lily a cookie as she sat down at the table with her. “I don’t think I can change the way Sarah likes to make things neat, so why don’t we talk about your options.” “Options? What are options, Mom?” Lily had never heard that word before. “Options are choices we have. We think about what our choices are to solve a problem, then we pick the best one.” “What does that have to do with Sarah?” Lily asked as she bit into her cookie. “Nothing. It has to do with you,” Mom smiled. “Me?” Lily exclaimed. “I’m not

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the problem; Sarah is!” “That may be true, but Sarah doesn’t have the answer to the problem. You’re the only one who does!” Mom smiled. “So let’s think what options you have. What solutions can you think of to solve this problem with Sarah?” “My own room,” said Lily immediately, but she knew that really wasn’t possible. There were no extra rooms in their house. “Or tell Sarah to leave the rug alone.” But she knew Sarah would probably straighten it out anyway, so she kept on thinking. “I know!” she said excitedly. “My own rug! For me to put where I want.” “It might work,” Mom admitted, “but don’t you think Sarah will straighten out your rug when she straightens out her own? She’s pretty neat, you know. She makes our home nicer to live in—including the bedroom you share.” “I know, but it really gets to me when . . . .” Mom interrupted to finish Lily’s sentence. “. . . When she cleans your bedroom? When she straightens up the rug you wrinkle up? When she does the vacuuming so you don’t have to? And the dusting, so you can be outside? Yes, she really is irritating that way.” Lily was about to open her mouth to reply, but realized she didn’t have anything sensible to say. She knew Mom was right. Sarah did do all the cleaning in their shared bedroom; Lily hardly ever helped. Then when she saw

Mom’s smiling face, she just had to smile and admit, “Okay. I see what you’re saying. My best choice—I mean, my best option--is to let her keep on cleaning the room, isn’t it? Then I don’t have to, and I can do other things I like. Right?” “Right.” This time Mom’s smile was even wider. “I think you just picked the best option. Sometimes the best solution is actually to do nothing.” “Mom, how did you learn about options?” Lily asked as Mom got up from the table. “I don’t know,” laughed Mom, “but that’s how I solve a lot of my problems. Thinking about different choices then picking the best one seems to work really well, doesn’t it?” “I think it just did for me,” Lily agreed. “I’ve been complaining when I really had something good happening to me all along! I’m going to keep quiet and let Sarah clean our room as much as she wants to!” She got up from the table and pushed in her chair. “And now, I’m going outside to play! Thanks for the cookie, Mom!” And out the door she went, happy to know about that new word “options.” 

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Children’s Story Lily Learns a New Word

Health Gem

H e a t h e r O l s o n, R N

The Miraculous Healing Power of Clay

Volume 22, Number 2

Photo: © Hemera Photo Objects CD

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome also has been seen to diminish and even disappear with application of warm clay wraps left overnight around the wrists. Some people have reported that the pain decreased after about two days, with complete relief seen after merely three days! Even in some very severe cases, full motor control was regained within as short a period as three weeks. There are countless testimonies of people who have been helped by clay internally and externally. Serious wounds treated only with clay healed completely, with no signs of infection and with little to no scar. Tumors have shrunk, scars and keloids vanished, uterine fibroids shriveled and disappeared, and more. There is just not enough room to list all the marvelous benefits of clay. If you’re looking for relief, clay just may be the answer you’ve been looking for. For best results, take the internal clay cleanse in addition to external use. If you have any questions about how clay can benefit YOU, call our Health Center at 1-309-343-5853. We will be happy to talk to you and answer any questions you might have.  If you have any questions about how clay can benefit YOU, call Heather Olson at 1-309-343-5853. She will be happy to talk to you and answer any questions you might have. Green Clay 8 oz - $6.00 plus S&H Green Clay 5 lbs - $29.00 plus S&H *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease.

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Part 3

I

f you have been following my recent articles on the healing power of clay, then you have heard of the many benefits of taking clay internally. Its many positive actions include detoxifying, colon cleansing, parasite removal, mineral balance, relief from many gastrointestinal disorders, and more! If you haven’t heard about the internal benefits of drinking clay, call for more information today! And there’s more good news. Clay’s merits extend to external applications, also. Have you ever had cuts, burns, scrapes, acne, age spots, eczema, psoriasis, poison ivy, insect stings or bites, uneven skin tone, scars, or any of the other numerous skin conditions? If you have had any of these problems, you know how uncomfortable and embarrassing some of them can be. Now, first of all, just like in my last article, I’d like to point out that improving your diet and lifestyle can result in drastic improvements in your health, including problems with your skin. However, in addition to the diet and lifestyle changes you can make, God has provided us with green clay, a substance in nature that enhances and speeds the healing process and aids particularly well in conditions of the skin. Because of clay’s unique composition and electrical charge, toxins are drawn to it like a magnet. This is true for bacteria that gets trapped underneath the skin, causing pimples and infecting wounds, as well as for poisons from bites or stings (such as the poisonous venom of the brown recluse). For immediate pain relief and antibacterial action with burns, cuts, scrapes, bites or

stings, a clay paste can be made and applied directly to the injury. A few weeks ago, I scalded my hand with steam while cooking. The area was very painful to the touch, and even cool water caused an extremely sharp pain. Thankfully, I always keep a supply of clay paste on hand for emergencies, because when something happens, I want to have instant relief. So I applied clay paste to the area and covered it with a cloth. Immediately, as the clay touched my skin, the pain subsided. I kept the area bandaged with a clay poultice for about three hours. Then I took the bandage off and washed the clay off to see how bad the burn was. To my amazement, the skin looked as if it had never been burned. No redness was seen and I had no sensation of pain at all. I could even move it and touch it without the slightest discomfort! Applied to age spots and scars, clay helps diminish their appearance and, with continued use, causes them to actually vanish. A woman with a dime-sized age spot on her arm got worried when it began to be raised and started changing colors. I suggested that she try a clay poultice on the area. After about three weeks of applying a poultice every day, the area was completely flat again with almost no discoloration. Her husband couldn’t even tell where the spot had been. It had faded that much! As far as sprains, strains, and breaks are concerned, clay can accelerate healing time and decrease pain and discomfort. A poultice applied to the area can reduce inflammation and swelling significantly, which drastically reduces pain. With continued use, the pain can go away completely.

News Watch

Separate Worship Fails; Integration Now Sought News Item: “Ten years after launching Axis as a Generation X ‘churchwithin-a-church,’ Willow Creek Community Church has folded the young-adult service into its main congregation. . . . Considered ground-breaking at its inception, Axis had suffered a steep decline in attendance, falling from nearly 2,000 worshipers in 2001 to about 350 more recently. “. . .Integration will better fulfill Willow’s multi-generational vision, said interim pastor Steve Gillen. He said Axis didn’t connect young adults with the rest of the congregation. Once they outgrew the service, Axis members found it hard to transition into the rest of the Chicago-area megachurch. Young adults also struggled to meet and develop relationships with mentors in the larger congregation. . . .” Christianity Today, October 2006, 24. End-time perspective: “Believers are to associate together in Christian fellowship, regarding one another as brothers and sisters in the Lord.” MM316. “Let the older workers be educators, keeping themselves under the discipline of God. Let the young men feel it a privilege to study under older workers, and let them

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“Tolerant” People Accept Sinful Lifestyles News Item: “Mexico City’s assembly . . . passed legislation to legally recognize gay civil unions in the capital, the first such vote by a legislative body in the history of the conservative, predominately Roman Catholic country. “. . .While homosexuality is taboo in many rural parts of Latin America, the region’s urban areas are becoming more tolerant. . . .” Eduardo Castillo, Associated Press, November 10, 2006. End-time perspective: If those who recognize and legitimize gay unions are considered more “tolerant,” the implication is that those who don’t are more “intolerant.” “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness. . . ! Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent

in their own sight!” Isaiah 5:20-21.

Cigarettes Made More Addictive News Item: The Massachusetts Department of Public Health “requires manufacturers selling cigarettes in the state to report on nicotine content annually. Of 116 brands analyzed, 92 delivered more of the addictive substance in 2004 than in 1998.” U.S. News and World Report, Sept. 11, 2006, 72. End-time perspective: “Tobacco . . . affects the brain and benumbs the sensibilities, so that the mind cannot clearly discern spiritual things, especially those truths which would have a tendency to correct this filthy indulgence. . . . In such a filthy practice it is impossible for them to glorify God in their bodies and spirits, which are His.” CG 404.“[Tobacco] is all the more dangerous because its effects upon the system are so slow, and at first scarcely perceivable.” 4SG 128.

Heading for a Reckoning News Item: “In the past six years, health premiums have risen 87 per-

Our Firm Foundation

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carry every burden that their youth and experience will allow. Thus Elijah educated the youth of Israel in the schools of the prophets; and young men today are to have a similar training.” GW 101-102. “The older men should not feel it any dishonor to them for younger men, who must use their capabilities and who must fill their individual places and become men to be relied on, to come to the front. Those who are older should encourage the young to develop their talents.” Ev 685.

cent. If costs surge at a 10 percent average clip, they will double again in about seven years. It’s economically unsustainable when health costs are rising twice as fast as wages and overall consumer inflation.” Editorial, John F. Wasik, “Health Costs are Soaring Higher,” Sunday News Journal, Nov. 12, 2006, A7.

Photos: © Photos.com Hemera Photo Objects CD

End-time perspective: Concerns about the future are lessened as we learn and share disease prevention and health restoration via natural remedies. “Pure air, sunlight, abstemiousness, rest, exercise, proper diet, the use of water, trust in divine power--these are the true remedies. Every person should have a knowledge of nature’s remedial agencies and how to apply them. It is essential both to understand the principles involved in the treatment of the sick and to have a practical training that will enable one rightly to use this knowledge. “The use of natural remedies requires an amount of care and effort that many are not willing to give. Nature’s process of healing and upbuilding is gradual, and to the impatient it seems slow. The surrender of hurtful indulgences requires sacrifice. But in the end it will be found that nature, untrammeled, does her work wisely and well. Those who persevere in obedience to her laws will reap the reward in health of body and health of mind.” MH 127.

sin.” US Representative (FL) Katherine Harris, who ran for the Senate. Christianity Today, October 2006, p. 25. End-time perspective: “The regulation adopted by the early colonists, of permitting only members of the church to vote or to hold office in the civil government, led to most pernicious results. This measure had been accepted as a means of preserving the purity of the State, but it resulted in the corruption of the church. A profession of religion being the condition of suffrage and office-holding, many, actuated solely by motives of worldly policy, united with the church, without a change of heart. Thus the churches came to consist, to a considerable extent, of unconverted persons; and even in the ministry were those who not only held errors of doctrine, but who were ignorant of the renewing power of the Holy Spirit. Thus again was demonstrated the evil results . . . of attempting to build up the church by the aid of the State, of appealing to the secular power in support of the gospel of Him who declared, ‘My kingdom is not of this world.’ (John 18:36.) The union of the church with the State, be the degree never [sic] so slight, while it may appear to bring the world nearer to the church, does in reality but bring the church nearer to the world.” GC88 296.

Preaching Prosperity Electing Christian Legislators News Item: “If you’re not electing Christians, then in essence you are going to legislate

Volume 22, Number 2

News Item: “In three of the gospels, Jesus warns that each of his disciples may have to ‘deny himself’ and even ‘take up his Cross.’. . . He forcefully contrasts the fleeting

pleasures of today with the promise of eternity: ‘For what profit is it to a man,’ he asks, ‘if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?’ “But for a growing number of Christians . . . , the question is better restated, ‘Why not gain the whole world plus my soul?’ “. . . Word of Faith, Health and Wealth, Name It and Claim It or Prosperity Theology . . . [emphasize] God’s promised generosity in this life and the ability of believers to claim it for themselves. In a nutshell, it suggests that a God who loves you does not want you to be broke.” This theology is advocated by pastors of three of the “four biggest megachurches in America”: Joel Osteen, T. D. Jakes, and Creflo Dollar. TIME, Sept. 18, 2006, 50. End-time perspective: “These are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, and the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.” Mark 4:18-19. “They that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.” 2 Tim 6:9. “We should ask ourselves, ‘For what are we living and working? And what will be the outcome of it all?’ “I have questioned in my mind, as I have seen the people in our cities hurrying to and fro with business, whether they ever thought of the day of God that is just upon us. Every one of us should be living with reference to the great day which is soon to come upon us. “We cannot afford to live with no reference to the day of judgment; for though long delayed, it is now near, even at the door, and hasteth greatly. The trumpet of the Archangel will soon startle the living and wake the dead.” LDE 73. 

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“We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history.”—E. G. White, Life Sketches, 196. Many today have neglected to study the history and people that made up the early days of the Advent movement. To help encourage interest in Adventist history, we have put together questions about people and events of our past. Our goal is to spark faith and further study into “the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history.”

a. 10 b. 20 c. 25 d. 50 2. After the birth of Henry Nichols, the Whites’ first child, James and Ellen experienced severe financial hardships for many months. Finally a vision revealed the purpose. a. A pleasant home life would have been strong temptation not to leave it to travel. b. James had an illness that needed attention. c. Ellen had to learn to economize better. d. The Lord wanted them to move to another town. 3. The first conference of Seventh-day Adventists was held in April 1848 in Rocky Hill, CT, at the home of Albert Belden. How many came to hear the speakers? a. 15 b. 50 c. 27 d. 37 4. Supernatural manifestations convinced many that Ellen White’s visions were from God. For a period of two or three years, what other factor occurred, which gave added evidence? a. She was always hungry afterward. b. She couldn’t sleep for several days afterward. c. She could not understand the

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5. Present Truth, the first printed material published by and for Seventh-day Adventists, was only 8 sheets, but soon a need was seen for a larger magazine, the 16-page Advent Review, first published in August 1850. Its publication resulted in a. bigger mailing lists and greater contributions. b. more attending the conferences and a greater spirit of unity among believers. c. more people equipped to preach the three angels’ messages. d. all of the above. 6. During the first five years of publishing, nothing was printed regarding Sister White’s visions. In only one article was the gift of prophecy defended, lest the general public become prejudiced toward present truth. That consideration gave way in 1851 to the conviction that a. the gift of prophecy should be recognized as having a proper place in the church. b. the visions to encourage, reprove and counsel God’s people should be shared widely. c. church members needed the visions in printed form. d. All of these reasons called for a change in publishing. 7. In 1854 crowded meeting places led to the purchase of the first tents for evangelism. Many hearing present truth for the first time came because of

c. persistent illness. d. nothing better to do. 8. A system of tithe-paying was presented to the people to sustain the growing church and to free leading speakers to spend their time traveling with the message. It was called a. Planned Giving. b. Biblical Tithing. c. Supportive Brethren. d. Systematic Benevolence. 9. Once it was agreed to organize the church under the name “Seventh-day Adventists,” the churches in the various states organized themselves into conferences. Which state led the way in both of those steps? a. Ohio b. Maine c. Michigan d. Massachusetts 10. Local and conference church organization was needed for many reasons. One of the pressing concerns to maintain unity among the brethren was a. qualifications of leaders. b. a common basis for accepting new members. c. consistency in teaching the beliefs. d. all of the above.

Answers: 1-d, 2-a, 3-a, 4-c, 5-d, 6-d, 7-b, 8-d, 9-c, 10-d

1. When struck dumb for questioning whether her visions were of God or not, Ellen White was shown in vision a card upon which were written ____ Scripture texts in golden letters. (Texts are given in Early Writings, pp. 24-31.)

scriptures they were studying, even after the visions. d. She would ask for water.

Source: For specific references to any answer, please contact Hope International.

Taken from Ellen White: Woman of Vision, by Arthur L. White

Footnotes

Historical

a. financial need. b. curiosity.

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Volume 22, Number 2

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Your Body’s Many Cries for Water

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magazines are wonderful! They are what the Review used to be. TF; TX

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enjoy your magazine very much. It always is encouraging to read. Our church is in a big struggle and it is very discouraging at times. I have been saving my tithe for several months and didn’t quite know where to send it. Thank you for accepting it and putting it to good use where it should be used. M

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Volume 22, Number 2

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you folks are doing. The DVD’s are such a blessing. Oh, how I wish I could meet you all. I will be looking for you in heaven. I enjoy my Firm Foundation so much and I share it with my aide who stays seven hours each day with me. She did not know about our beliefs but now she believes in the Sabbath. My health is bad. Please keep me in prayer. I pray for all of you at Hope. WG

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 L et ’s G o t o t he S ou rc e !  “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning” (James 1:17). God is love. Like rays of light from the sun, love and light and joy flow out from Him to all His creatures. It is His nature to give. His very life is the outflow of unselfish love. A selfish man will grant an urgent request, in order to rid himself of one who disturbs his rest. But God delights to give. He is full of compassion, and He longs to grant the requests of those who come unto Him in faith. He gives to us that we may minister to others and thus become like Himself. God wants His children to ask for those things that will enable Him to reveal His grace through them to the world. He wants them to seek His counsel, to acknowledge His power. Christ lays loving claims on all for whom He has given His life; they are to obey His will if they would share the joys that He has prepared for all who reflect His character here. It is well for us to feel our weakness, for then we shall seek the strength and wisdom that the Father delights to give to His children for their daily strife against the powers of evil. While education, training, and the counsel of those of experience are all essential, the workers are to be taught that they are not to rely wholly upon any man’s judgment. As God’s free agents, all should ask wisdom of Him. The Lord is under no obligation to grant us His favors, yet He has pledged His word that if we will comply with the conditions stated in the Scriptures, He will fulfill His part of the contract. Men often make promises, but do not live up to them. Often we have found that in trusting to men we have leaned upon broken reeds; but the Lord will never disappoint the soul that believes in Him.

Gift’s for God’s People is a BRAND NEW morning devotional book compiled exclusively from the writings of Ellen G. White. This book focuses on the promised gifts of the Holy Spirit, this beautiful volume is sure to uplift and invigorate! If you are yearning for a deeper understanding of the rich spiritual gifts available to believers, you will find refreshment within these pages! Here is a sample of the first page of this attractive, must-have book:   BEWE-GFGP $12.99 (price does not include shipping & handling) Hope International P.O. Box 220 Knoxville, IL 61448 Change Service Requested